Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports have evolved over time, from delivery as hard-copy, print material to microsites and everything in between. Yet, the core focus of this report has not turned away from its roots: CSR seeks to ensure that companies conduct business in an ethical way, which takes into account environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.

Two of the reports we produced this year show distinct approaches. The Carlyle Group’s2018 Corporate Citizenship Report uses the metaphor of apple varieties to explain how they select just the right ESG strategies to enhance their ESG and create value for their portfolio companies. Emergent BioSolution'sCSR Report illustrated how the company supports philanthropic endeavors that align with their corporate mission and goals.

Though CSR efforts change from company to company, there are trends we see in CSR reports this year that you should take into account as you create your next report.

Here are 3 Trends We See in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting in 2018.

1. Diversity is more important than ever

Employee diversity—gender, culture, sexual orientation and more—have been significant topics of conversation this year, with the #MeToo movement leading the way. As the workplace continues to be informed and expand, identities and perspectives will play a more important role than ever before.

Expanding this diversity conversation in your CSR report will show your areas of emphasis as a business. This comes across in Emergent’s report—they highlight initiatives from a diverse group of employees and partnerships and end the report by stating their core values.

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2. Readers will look for sustainability initiatives

The Carlyle Group found that their investor audience view sustainability initiatives as important. “Sustainability initiatives have become an even more important component of our efforts to perform and create value for our investors,” said the company’s executive officers.

In 2017, the Carlyle Group became the first global alternative asset manager to achieve carbon neutral operations. Along these lines, investors and readers of CSR reports are increasingly interested in climate resilience efforts from a corporate involvement perspective.

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3. Investment in local communities

Through volunteer and wealth sharing programs, investment in local communities is proving to be a significant trend we see in CSR reports.

Volunteer programs can include highlights of corporate employees volunteering in the workplace, from local animal shelters to food banks. Wealth sharing programs—the concept of sharing profits—can be a key component of any corporate-community strategy.

Highlights of diversity, communicating sustainability initiatives and sharing local investment are just three of the trends we see for CSR reports for 2018. Every CSR report is unique to every business—from internal initiatives to external communication strategy. As you look forward to your next CSR report, consider how these three trends might be best integrated.

Two of the reports we produced this year show distinct approaches. The Carlyle Group’s2018 Corporate Citizenship Report uses the metaphor of apple varieties to explain how they select just the right ESG strategies to enhance their ESG and create value for their portfolio companies. Emergent BioSolution'sCSR Report illustrated how the company supports philanthropic endeavors that align with their corporate mission and goals.